Files
Abstract
Little is known about which factors account for dynamic change or for stagnation
in India's agriculture. Though statistics at the macro-economic level suggest
upward trends, not much is known at the micro level to point to a rational explanation
of these changes. On the other hand, successful macro-economic
policies require a knowledge of economic decision-making processes at the farm
level. As a contribution to meeting this need this micro-economic study, based
on 85 farms over a six-year period, was undertaken in East India. It is an empirical
attempt to understand the decision-making processes of East Indian farm
households, classified by farm size. The study is based on detailed cost accounting
records and, using statistical sampling techniques, important planning
implications for East Indian agriculture and its development are drawn. Those
concerned with growth of agricultural economy in a developing country may
also find interesting the method and approach used in the study.